Oscar-winning actress and Goop founder Gwyneth Paltrow has suggested her eldest child is poised for a career in the spotlight, despite currently pursuing an academic path. The star believes her 21-year-old daughter, Apple Martin, will ultimately "follow in my footsteps," venturing into the world of entertainment that has defined both her and ex-husband Chris Martin's lives.
From Law Books to the Limelight
Apple Martin, who is studying for a pre-law degree at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, has already begun dabbling in her parents' professions. Despite her major in "law, history and society," she has explored acting through a university theatre group and stepped into modelling with notable campaigns. Earlier this year, she appeared alongside her mother in a major campaign for GapStudio, and later landed a prestigious role as an ambassador for the London-based fashion label Self-Portrait.
For her Self-Portrait debut, shot by renowned photographer Ryan McGinley, Apple modelled pieces from the brand's latest collection. She described the collaboration as a "no-brainer," noting the brand's British spirit reminded her of her childhood in London. "Han and the team welcomed me in as part of the creative process and I am having a lot of fun learning along the way," she said.
The Nepotism Debate Intensifies
However, Apple's forays into the industry have not been without controversy, repeatedly igniting discussions about privilege and nepotism. The debate reached a crescendo in October when she made her public singing debut, performing a song called 'Satellite' with musical duo Jade Street at Cannery Hall in Nashville.
Videos of the performance circulated online, with some critics harshly comparing it to "off-key, drunken karaoke." The reaction on platforms like TikTok was swift and severe, with comments declaring "nepotism has killed art" and "aren't we bored with nepotism yet?" This stood in stark contrast to the musical achievements of her father, Coldplay's Chris Martin, whose band has sold over 160 million records worldwide.
A Mother's Perspective on Letting Go
Speaking to The Mirror, Gwyneth Paltrow, 53, acknowledged her daughter's potential path while emphasising the importance of autonomy. "She's doing a pre-law degree at college but I think she's going to follow in my footsteps," the actress stated. She quickly added a caveat reflective of modern parenting pressures: "But the thing is with kids you have to let them find their own path and inspiration and try not [to] come on top of them with your point of view."
Paltrow shares Apple and her 19-year-old son, Moses, with her ex-husband, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, 48. While Apple continues her studies at Vanderbilt, her simultaneous exploration of fashion, acting, and music suggests a multi-hyphenate career may be on the horizon, ensuring the "nepo baby" discourse will likely continue to follow her every move.
